A pictorial essay that showcases the natural beauty of the Palmetto State and its inhabitants
From the Appalachians to the Atlantic, South Carolina's awe-inspiring beauty is revealed in this visually stirring and heart-warming tribute to one of America's favorite vacation destinations. Rich with more than 250 stunning photographs, this second volume of Reflections of South Carolina uncovers the geological, natural, and cultural grandeur the Palmetto State packs into 32,000 square miles. A foreword by New York Times best-selling author Mary Alice Monroe complements the photographs and text.
In a landscape abundant with waterfalls, rivers, lakes, and surf, South Carolina overflows with flora and fauna, as well as astonishing vistas. On their new journey, photographer Robert C. Clark and writer Tom Poland set out on a path of discovery that reveals charming country stores, water-powered gristmills, enchanting meadows, and extraordinary people and places. From angles high and low, this keepsake book illuminates the state's summits, swamps, shores, and islands that brim with life, beauty, and culture. Turn the pages and explore the mountain majesties, fruited plain, and shining sea—South Carolina holds so much of what makes this country "America the Beautiful."
Reflections of South Carolina, Volume 2 documents the state's surprising variety as well. You can stand atop Sassafras Mountain in August and yet feel fall's chill or walk Charleston's cobblestone streets in shorts in the middle of February. Clark and Poland advise visitors and residents alike to take their time exploring South Carolina and whenever possible to take the road less traveled—for the next turn might reveal an antebellum-era slave chapel, a farmer peddling honey and tomatoes, a mountain's reflection in a sparkling lake, or a peach orchard exploding pink. What could be next? A praise house? An unforgettable character? Art on an abandoned boat? Discovery makes a great companion.
Robert C. Clark's work has appeared in National Geographic books, Newsweek, Smithsonian, photographic awards annuals such as Print and Communication Arts, and magazines too numerous to list. He has collaborated on three previous USC Press books with Tom Poland—South Carolina: A Timeless Journey, South Carolina: The Natural Heritage, and Reflections of South Carolina—and one, University of South Carolina: A Portrait, with Chris Horn.
Tom Poland writes columns about the South and its people, traditions, lifestyle, and culture for newspapers and journals in Georgia and South Carolina. In addition Poland has coauthored Save the Last Dance for Me: A Love Story of the Shag and the Society of Southern Stranders, also published by USC Press. Poland lives in Columbia.
New York Times best-selling author Mary Alice Monroe is the author of The Beach House, Skyward, Sweetgrass, Swimming Lessons, Time Is a River, Last Light over Carolina, The Butterfly's Daughter, and other books.
"This is essential reading for all South Carolinians. Reflections of South Carolina is a gorgeous tour of our state's endless treasured landscape. The words of Tom Poland and the photographs by Robert Clark will thrill you. It's that good."—Dorothea Benton Frank, New York Times best-selling author of ten novels
"South Carolina is a beautiful state and this book shows it in its full glory."—Idgie, Dew on the Kudzo
